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Music Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Music instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Elissa

"Wonderful teacher for students of any age.

Needing to discontinue my ukulele lessons was one of the major downsides to my change in work schedule. Jessic

a is a patient, encouraging teacher and talented musician. I am an oldie, folk and jazz lover. She introduced me to music I would never have chosen on my own, and broadened my appreciation of what could be played on the ukulele. To really appreciate her talent, go and watch her perform."

...

New York, NY teacher:
Jessica D.

Review by Charmyne

"She's awesome!

Ms. Carol is an awesome teacher. She has helped me with my range and confidence. I appreciate her desire to make me better."

Dallas, TX teacher:
Carol D.

Review by Dylan

"Bass lesson With Al

Had a really nice first lesson with Al. He is a good guy and a we had fun jamming out on a couple jazz standards and talking about sc

ales. He has good knowledge of the instrument and i was happy to see that he played a 6string like myself. I enjoyed the lesson."

...

New York, NY teacher:
Al P.

Review by Bangda

"Professional, skilled instructor who has deep knowledge in music theory

I am a beginner in piano and have taken piano lesson from Ben for 2 months. Ben i

s a very professional instructor who has both the technical skills and a deep knowledge of musical theory. I learned not just the techniques for improving my piano performance skills, but also some intriguing music theory behind the pieces. The lessons are also well organized and it felt the hour goes by fairly swiftly.

Ben takes student's learning serious but still maintains a friendly and easy-going manner. The lessons usually provided at a musical instrument shop that is very convenient and cozy. Overall I am very satisfied with my experience."

...

Portland, OR teacher:
Benjamin Z.

Review by Jordan

"Stacey is a talented teacher

Stacey is a very talented teacher with a great knowledge of repertoire, languages and musicality. She is a fine teacher for

any student who is serious about improving their vocal technique and musical skills. Stacey also understands the world of singing at the college level and beyond. She is prepared to help a student succeed and successfully prepare themselves for the demands of college auditions or a professional career."

...

Cincinnati, OH teacher:
Stacey S.

Review by Jodi

"I really enjoy my listens with Olia

I really like Olia; she's very cool. I arrive- we chat about getting my career going, then begin singing. We worked o

n exercising my voice. But not over-strenuously. Then to figure out what kind of genre I would sing best- she plays on her computer the music of songs (non vocal, just instrument) with the lyrics and I get to sing and explore my voice and where its at. She's very knowledgeable- grew up making music and has a knack for sending people on their way in their careers- she's business savvy. One of the first thing she said to me was " lets get you to some jam sessions and open mics.""

...

Los Angeles, CA teacher:
Olivia K.

Review by Adam

"Great experience!!! Joseph is very knowledgeable. He took the time to assess my skill level and customized a teaching plan that challenged me and also h

elped me improve. His knowledge of musical theory and the process in which he teaches it keeps me engaged and wanting more."

...

Detroit, MI teacher:
JOSEPH H.

Review by Cissy

"Christina and I were a good fit. I was reluctant to find a teacher on line, but she turned out to be a pleasant surprise. She's easy to work with, she's

patient and her instructional explanations are a monumental plus. I think this will be a long lasting relationship....I highly recommend this young lady."

Christina C.

About Christina

Christina has played piano since the age of 3! She was given a piano for Christmas and never looked back. She has taken private lessons starting at age 6 and went on to the prestigious Ithaca College to major in Piano Performance. She also holds a B.A. degree in Psychology from Montclair State University. Although her plan was originally to travel the world performing, she decided that her passion was teaching the joy of music to others, and has made that her life. Christina has 15 years of teaching experience in professional music studios in NJ. She began at Elisabeth's School of Piano, w

hich has now grown into the Ringwood School of Music. She now teaches at Garden Street Music in Hoboken, Espressivo Piano in Livingston, and Finger Power Music in Edgewater. She teaches lessons to all ages and levels from beginner to professional. She can teach all styles, but specializes in classical. She follows a tried and true method of teaching including scales, arpeggios, Hanon exercises, as well as incorporating lesson, theory, and solo/fun books to ensure that her students have a well-rounded music education. Above all, Christina makes learning fun. She makes sure that her students are happy with what they are learning and gives them a choice as to what pieces/songs they would like to learn to accomplish their lessons. She makes lessons especially fun for younger children by bringing stickers and fun projects to lessons to encourage their progress. Christina has also extended experience working with children through accompanying for choirs and musicals. Christina is a fun teacher who makes learning how to play piano easy.

*** Lesson Details ***I am a fun teacher and easy to work with, while also making sure that we cover a certain amount of learning material in each lesson. I follow a plan in my lessons based upon scales, Hanon exercises, music lesson books such as Faber and Faber "Piano Adventures" or Alfred lesson books, theory and sight-reading, as well as ear training work. I also make each lesson fun! I like to give students a choice of what song they would like to learn as their "fun song" while also working on "learning material" crucial to their musical education. I use stickers for the younger students for extra motivation, and allow each student to work up to his or her own ability. I encourage them to be the best they can be, without putting too much pressure on them. Above all, I make sure that the learning experience remains fun and relaxed. Each student learns at his or her own pace and I make sure that each student works up to their ability. Generally speaking, after 3-6 months of working with me as their piano teacher, a student will know the basics of hand placement on the keyboard, reading music, note naming and recognition, and be able to read and play music at a simple level.

*** Studio Equipment ***I have a Yamaha keyboard with 88 fully weighted keys that plays and feels exactly like a piano.

*** Travel Equipment ***I expect the student to have a piano or keyboard available for lessons and for practicing in between lessons at their home.

*** Specialties ***I am classically trained, but have experience in and can teach all genres. I follow a plan in my lessons based upon scales, Hanon exercises, music lesson books such as Faber and Faber "Piano Adventures" or Alfred lesson books, theory and sight-reading, as well as ear training work.

...

Reviews

Ehsan E. April 16, 2015
Piano

Christina is one of the most talented piano teachers in New York Metro area and NJ. Her understanding of music theory as well as piano are just outstanding.

If you are looking for someone with high patience in teaching, she is the one.

John P. November 13, 2014
Piano ·
In home Verified Student

While I have only had 3 lessons thus far with Christina, I can say with confidence that she is an outstanding instructor. She inquires as to how you learn, what style of teaching best works for the student, and what it is we want to learn, rather than a rigid lesson plan. That is not to say that she does not expect effort, practice & a desire to learn from her students, or that she doesn't have a lesson plan. She builds what I believe is a sound foundation for her beginner students by teaching us to read music and going note by note, chord by chord until it's done correctly. She is also very encouraging. Her ability to play all genre's of piano music is a huge asset as well. I would highly recommend her to students of all ages and abilities .

Helen A. August 16, 2014
Piano ·
In home

Christina is amazing! My son is autistic so it was a challenge to handle him, but Christina was able to do it and he loves his music lessons. Great teacher, very professional and creative.

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Christina C.

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Christina C.

Hackensack, NJ 07601

(6)

starting at

$45
/ 30-min

Brenda B.

About Brenda

Hello, my name is Brenda! I've been teaching private lessons for about a decade and have my B.M. in Music Education from William Paterson University. I was a voice major and flute/piano double minor. Although I do work with students of all ages, I specialize in working with younger children. I teach voice, flute, piano, and clarinet, and have experience teaching in both individual and group settings. I am constantly studying different teaching methods so I can develop a custom program that best fits your learning styles and incorporates what you already know, with what you will need to learn

in order to achieve your goals.

*Scheduling availability outside of what is posted is available upon request*

*** Lesson Details ***Whether you want to play flute, clarinet, sing, act, or learn to play piano, I am here to help you become the best musician you can be. Classically trained, I also work with the styles of musical theatre, pop, rock, and jazz. I can teach you the proper techniques, posture, and breathing necessary to perform to the best of your ability and teach you how to utilize your full lung capacity to extend phrasing length and dynamic range. I will also help you learn to read and write music. Together, we will keep a log to track your progress lesson to lesson. This will also help you keep a record of the steps you are taking to obtain and achieve your goals and dreams.

*** Studio Equipment ***Does not own: Saxophone

*** Travel Equipment ***mini keyboard for voice lessons (2.5 octaves)

*** Specialties ***Young and beginner students. Students with special needs.Performance techniques.Bel Canto technique.

...

Reviews

Victor S. July 17, 2015
Singing ·
In home Verified Student

Excellent teacher! Great with every level of experience.

Patrick M. March 6, 2015
Flute ·
In home Verified Student

Brenda is extremely talented, knowledgeable, professional, courteous, and supportive. As an adult learner, she makes me feel very comfortable learning a new skill. I highly recommend her!

Afi S. October 31, 2013
Piano Verified Student

Great Teacher

Very happy with Brenda's Piano tutoring. Thank you,Brenda.

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Brenda B.

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Brenda B.

Wyckoff, NJ 07481

(8)

starting at

$50
/ 30-min

Julie-Anne H.

About Julie-Anne

Julie-Anne, has been teaching private voice for over 10 years. In 2006, she opened her private voice studio in Austin, TX where she completed her Graduate studies at The University of Texas. She now resides and teaches in Bergen County, New Jersey. Her students have received many honors including scholarship awards for colleges and universities,awards for solo and ensemble competitions and Texas All-State Choir, leading roles in musicals, and recording contracts! Additionally, her students perform in a wide range of genres -from National tours, Regional theater, to lead singers in rock bands.

She is dedicated to seeing her students grow and succeed as vocalists and performers! As a singer, Julie-Anne, has most recently been seen as Berenice in Little Opera Theatre of NY's "L'occasione fa il ladro", Lydia Larkspur in the NY Premiere of "The Rivals" with Bronx Opera, Violetta in "La Traviata" with the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra and Helena in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with Opera Naples. Other recent performances include Lauretta (Gianni Schicch) with Opera Experience Southeast, Tormentilla (The Poisoned Kiss) with Bronx Opera, Magnolia Hawks (Showboat) with Opera Naples, Donna Anna (Don Giovanni) with Cape Cod Opera, Fiordiligi (Cos­ fan tutte), Antonia (Les Contes d'Hoffmann), Adina (L'elisir d'amore), and Gilda (Rigoletto) with Tri-Cities Opera in Binghamton, NY. She is the Grand Prize Winner of the Jenny Lind Competition, Connecticut Concert Opera Competition, The Marcella Kochanska Sembrich Competition, and 5 Towns Music and Art Foundation Competition, 2nd prize winner of the Kosciuszko Foundation Competition and the National Federation of Music Clubs Biennial Young Artist Awards, as well as a grant recipient from CareerBridges Foundation. Upcoming performances include Musetta (La boheme) with Fundacion ProLirica de Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia and La Traviata with Delaware Valley Opera.

*** Lesson Details ***What happens in a Lesson? In order to train your physical voice, it is necessary to do vocal exercises, in the same way that one needs to train at a gym. There is no "magic key" to unlock one's voice; it is a matter of daily practice and muscle strengthening/stretching. So, the first part of the lesson will be focused on vocal exercises specifically tailored to YOUR VOICE and its needs. The second half of the lesson is the fun part- SINGING! We will work on any songs and styles that YOU choose. Whether you want to sing Rock, Country, Pop, Musical Theater, or Classical, there is a healthy and communicative way to sing!

*** Studio Equipment ***My home music studio is located in the upstairs loft, with access via an awesome spiral staircase! Parents and visitors are most welcome to view lessons in the loft studio, or can enjoy the sounds from the waiting room below, as the loft opens to the waiting room area. I have a piano, speaker system, and microphone equipment and the student should provide a recording device (iPhone, droid, iPad, etc.)

*** Specialties ***I specialize in Classical and Broadway style singing, but have extensive experience in Contemporary Commercial Music as well. I teach a healthy approach to all styles, and modify technical approaches towards the genre that the student is most interested in.

Extremely patient with my girls ( 6 and 8) and extremely sensitive to their personalities. She is very good in connecting and making the lesson fun and personalized to the individual.Highly recommended!

Alexander H.

About Alexander

My experience with teaching includes private teaching at Yale University where I taught undergraduate voice lessons in all different kinds of repertoire: a capella, musical theater, opera, jazz, etc.

I teach students of all ages, levels, and musical backgrounds, so if music and singing is completely new to you, no worries!

In our first lesson together we will go over your singing goals and aspirations as well as what kind of music you want to sing. Are you just looking to become a better

karaoke singer? Do you have serious Broadway ambitions? Are you just curious about your talent for singing? Whatever your goals and aspirations are, I'll tailor the lessons to your needs and wants so that you can get the very most out of our time together. :)

In our lessons we'll cover the basics of breathing, support, phonation, and placement. You can expect an increase in range, power, and vocal control, and correct any intonation issues. We'll also discuss stylistic issues and what songs/pieces best suit your voice.

Most of all we will have fun throughout the entire process!

If you have any questions feel free to message me.

---PERFORMANCE BIO---

Bass-Baritone Alexander Hahn’s recent performances include his debut with the Beethoven Easter Festival of Warsaw as Pietro in Simon Boccanegra, Monterone with in Rigoletto with Opera Theater of Connecticut, Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro with Bronx Opera, Le Bailli in Werther with Opera Company of Brooklyn, and the bass-baritone soloist in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with EOS Orchestra of Beijing. Mr. Hahn's operatic credits include performances of Lorenzo in I Capuleti e i Montecchi, King René in Iolanta, Leporello in Don Giovanni, Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte, and the Sorcerer in Dido and Aeneas, as well as excerpted performances of Colline in La Bohème, Bartolo in Il barbiere di Siviglia, Frère Laurent in Roméo et Juliette, Banco in Macbeth, Dulcamara in l’elisir d’amore, and Superintendent Budd in Albert Herring, as well as many others with Mannes Opera, Chautauqua Opera, and Yale Opera. Equally at home in art song, Mr. Hahn has performed as a soloist in Chautauqua Opera’s young artist recital series, Yale Opera’s Liederabend concerts, and the Montreal International Vocal Arts Institute recital series.

Mr. Hahn is a graduate of the Yale School of Music, where he earned both a Master’s degree in Music and an Artist Diploma as well as being awarded the David L. Kasdon Memorial Prize, for the most outstanding singer in the School of Music. Mr. Hahn earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from Mannes College of Music.

---REVIEWS---

"Moreover, my attention was riveted by the young bass Alexander Hahn...when he sang it, the foundations of the Warsaw Philharmonic trembled. It was truly an exceptional voice!"-Wielkanocny Festival LvB Czasopismo

"Alexander Hahn brought so much charm to Leporello that at times he nearly stole the show." -Opera News

"The best sung was the King's plea to God for Iolanta's healing in the strong bass-baritone of Alexander Hahn." -Opera-L

"Bass Alexander Hahn commands the stage." -The Day Connecticut

"Hahn’s portrayal of the Count...was memorable. His resonant voice and litany of curses set up the final scene and marked the kind of pace and flow and continuity that made this production come alive." -Shoreline Times

---STUDIO EQUIPMENT---

Yamaha Baby Grand Piano

...

Reviews

Jeff July 7, 2015
A Capella ·
In studio

I took lessons with Alex for two years during my undergrad and he was the best!
I was in an a capella group and looking to improve my singing and he did just that.
He has a great ear for voice and fixed a lot of my problems in just a few lessons.
He's also really friendly and made the lessons casual and fun.

I totally recommend him!

Sue July 7, 2015
Broadway Singing ·
In home

Alex is a wonderful teacher and has been so supportive of my daughter's passion for singing. Alex is a great singer himself and even though he sings mostly opera he knows all the ins and outs of broadway as well. My daughter loves taking lessons with him and she's improved tremendously over the past year. With his help she earned the lead role in her school production of The Sound of Music!

Jessica July 1, 2015
Singing ·
In studio

Alex has been very helpful in our lessons together. When we first met, we sat down and talked about what I was looking to achieve and what my goals were before starting. We started with the fundamentals to find out my baseline and the lessons have been very well paced and fun. I would recommend Alex to anyone.

My lessons were held at Alex's location because I did not have a piano or the privacy to do the lessons for an hour. We were in a spacious room with a grand piano each time.

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Alexander H.

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Alexander H.

Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417

(3)

starting at

$55
/ 45-min

Stefano A.

About Stefano

Stefano A. has been playing the guitar for 7 years, both electric and classical. He has studied classical style with Mr. Frasche from Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls and Chris Messina, a NJCU alumnus.A sophomore at NJCU, his current teachers are João Luiz Rezende Lopez for solo guitar and Ana Maria Rosado for ensemble. Stefano performed with the NJCU Guitar Ensemble at the 2014 College Guitar Ensemble Showcase at the Guitar Foundation of America Regional Symposium in New York City and most recently at Bayonne High School. He hopes to perfect both electric and classical guitar ski

lls and to combine these in a university level teaching career.

...

Reviews

Todd July 30, 2015
Electric Guitar ·
In studio

Stefano is a great instructor! He is patient, professional, and very easy to work with. He is well-versed in music theory and is an amazing guitar player. I highly recommend Stefano!

Omar R. May 31, 2015
Classical Guitar ·
In studio Verified Student

My guitar lesson with Stefano was excellent! He is very dedicated to what he does and how he teaches. The book that he has recommended is an excellent book for beginners. I have been able to learn quite a bit in a short amount of time. He's teaching techniques makes you learn properly, from the sitting position to the playing techniques.

Christopher J. May 4, 2015
Guitar ·
In studio

I have personally been working with Stefano for the past two years and he is hands down one of the best guitarists and musicians I've had the pleasure of working with. He's a level headed person and easy to work with. Also incredibly patient while teaching and knowledgeable about the guitar and the way it has developed through the years with it's technique and repertoire.

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